'Amazing response' to baby milk appeal

Baby couldn't leave hospital without supply

Staff at a special care baby unit in Devon have thanked people for an “amazing response” to an appeal for baby milk.

The team at Torbay Hospital posted the request on Facebook because the parents could not find any first formula locally due to panic-buying.

The child had been in the unit for four weeks and was ready to go home, but the family could not leave without a milk supply.

Staff at the hospital in Torquay posted the appeal on Friday morning, and within hours people had brought in spare tins.

Facebook users also suggested places which had stocks for the baby’s parents to try.

The unit is now able to hold a small stock of first milk from the donated supplies in case the local shortage happens again.

The unit posted on its Facebook page: “Thank you so much for your amazing response. We now have milk for the baby to go home with. 

“Thank you for all your suggestions, and to the wonderful people who have bought milk to reception for us.”

Another post said: “We know this is likely to be an ongoing issue so are going to keep a small stock of 1st milk here on the unit from your very generous donations. 

“Anything we don’t use once the world becomes a little less crazy, we will donate to a local Baby Bank. 

“Once again, thank you so much the parents and ourselves are incredibly grateful xx”.